"Resentments are the number one offender."

In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss the nature of resentments, how they are like drinking poison and wanting the other person to die. How they seduce us into staying stuck and block us from growing. They confess their own resentments and the methods they use to get free of them.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Have you fever felt anxious? Have you ever used alcohol to deal with social anxiety? You are not alone. Anxiety and problems with alcohol go hand in hand. We drink to take the 'edge' off and get through social situations, but the booze just makes everything worse. You may have even experienced a full-blown panic attack. Veronica suffered from extreme anxiety and regular panic attacks throughout her drinking. In this episode, Chip and Veronica look at the relationship between alcohol and anxiety, how getting sober will change it and give you their strategies for dealing with anxiety when it strikes.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

Why do people find it so hard to stop drinking? What leads to a relapse? Veronica and Chip answer all these questions and give their opinion on what risky situations to avoid in early recovery.

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When we get sober, the world takes it personally. There are four types of characters you may meet when you stop drinking: 'The overnight addiction expert, 'the drunk persuader, the 'moving the goalposts friend,' and the 'fun police.' Chip and Veronica talk you through how each one will approach you, what they will say, and how you can deal with them.

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In this episode, Chip and Veronica discuss Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA). ACOA's have particular characteristics that they carry into adulthood, particularly in their intimate relationships.

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The Holy Grail of anyone with an alcohol use disorder is moderation. In this episode, Chip and Veronica look at why moderation (or social drinking) is very rarely achievable. We discuss the energy and effort that people put into trying to achieve it. The reason that we struggle with moderation is because of the perception that alcohol can benefit us when the reality is very different.

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We discuss how the alcohol industry has tricked us into believing alcohol is harmless and beneficial to us. And how they have convinced us that without alcohol we are missing out on something. We challenge the myths and assumptions that have lead to the normalization of abnormal drinking.

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The biggest challenge Veronica faced was dealing with romantic relationships. At 3 years sober she was suicidal again. With nothing left to lose she had to find a way to deal with old demons and stay sober.

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In this episode, we cover Veronica's story. How she became an alcoholic, what happened, and what led her into sobriety.

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*Trigger warning* Discussion of overcoming childhood sexual abuse.

How do you heal from abuse and trauma? Can you overcome childhood abuse and go on to have a happy life and fulfilling relationships? Chip explains exactly how he did that.

To learn more, visit the show notes.

*Trigger warning* Discussion of childhood sexual abuse.

In this episode, Chip tells his incredible story of recovery. He grew up in an upper-class British family with no love or warmth, was abandoned to a boarding school at age seven where he was bullied. By 18 he was sticking needles in his arms. He spent time in prison and five days on life support. Listen to his amazing story of transformation. In next week's episode, we will discuss how he healed and overcame all of this adversity.

To learn more, visit the show notes.